Best Costa Rica Road Trip

Costa Rica is a destination full of adventure; rich in culture, wildlife experiences and incredible views and the best way to explore it is, without a doubt, by going on a self-drive tour.

A road trip through Costa Rica offers freedom, variety and just the right amount of adventure. One day you’re hiking in the shadow of a volcano, the next you’re sipping coffee on a misty mountain ridge or spotting scarlet macaws in the rainforest. The roads connect a patchwork of ecosystems, from cloud forests to surfy beach towns and wildlife-rich national parks.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with kids or flying solo, driving in Costa Rica is accessible and surprisingly straightforward, and best of all, it lets you set your own pace. Ready to hit the road? Keep reading about our favourite Costa Rica road trips.

Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: Approx. 130 km (around 3 hours’ drive)

Starting your Costa Rica road trip in San José gives you a gentle intro to the country before heading north to La Fortuna. This scenic route winds through lush countryside, past rural villages and coffee plantations, before the majestic Arenal Volcano comes into view. In La Fortuna, you’ll find natural hot springs perfect for a post-drive soak, hiking trails with views of lava fields, and the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall tucked into the rainforest.

This drive is fairly straightforward on paved roads, making it a great starting point. Stop off at a soda (local eatery) for your first taste of “casado” – rice, beans, plantain and your choice of meat or veg. It’s an easy-going route with lots of options to pause, stretch your legs, and enjoy Costa Rica’s famously lush scenery. You’ll arrive in Arenal ready for adventure, and there’s plenty to choose from once you get there.

Duration: 2–3 days
Distance: Approx. 120 km (around 3.5 – 4 hours)

This leg of the journey is one full of contrasts: you’ll leave the tropical lowlands behind and ascend into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. The road is famously bumpy in parts (especially the final stretch), but absolutely worth it. A 4×4 is highly recommended here.

Monteverde is the poster child for eco-tourism and biodiversity. You can walk along hanging bridges above the canopy, spot iridescent hummingbirds and listen out for the call of the resplendent quetzal. There’s also the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and neighbouring Santa Elena Reserve, offering quiet trails and rich wildlife.

Along the way, the change in climate and scenery is striking – from palm trees to pine-like greenery, and the temperature dips a few degrees. Once in Monteverde, days are spent zipping through trees, walking misty trails, or relaxing in a cosy mountain lodge. It’s a true escape from the tropical heat and a highlight for wildlife lovers.

Duration: 4–6 days
Distance: Varies, but the loop from Liberia through Tamarindo and down to Samara is approx. 300–350 km total

If you’re craving sun and surf, the Guanacaste region is perfect for a self-drive beach break. Start your loop from Liberia and head towards Tamarindo – a lively surf town with plenty of places to eat, shop and people-watch. Continue down the coast past Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal (famed for its crushed shell sands), stopping for swims and seafood along the way.

Further south, the laid-back town of Samara offers calmer waters and a more chilled-out vibe, ideal for families or those wanting to slow the pace. Along this coastal stretch you’ll find hidden coves, beach bars and wildlife like howler monkeys, iguanas and even nesting turtles at certain times of year.

Roads here are generally in good shape, and it’s an easy, relaxing drive with a 4×4 optional unless you’re exploring back roads. Expect warm breezes, spectacular sunsets, and plenty of time to simply enjoy the pura vida lifestyle.

Duration: 5–7 days
Distance: Approx. 350–400 km from San José (7+ hours driving, often broken into stops)

For a true adventure, head south to the wild and wonderful Osa Peninsula – one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s remote, rugged, and incredibly rewarding. The journey from San José to Puerto Jiménez (the main gateway town) is long but scenic, taking you through the country’s southern highlands and down the Pacific coast.

Once you reach the Osa Peninsula, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. Corcovado National Park is the star attraction, home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws and all four species of Costa Rican monkeys. Explore jungle trails with a guide, take a boat through mangroves, or head out on a dolphin-spotting tour in Golfo Dulce.

Whether you want a gentle meander through the north or a more rugged adventure down south, we can help shape a journey that fits you. Our Costa Rica team alongside our local partners know the best routes, the friendliest spots to stop, and the hidden gems you won’t find in a guidebook. So if you’re ready to hit the road and see the real Costa Rica, get in touch — we’ll help you get started.